DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Alejandra Lopez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Briefing and possible action on the status of various recommendation included in the Economic Transition Team Report and Business and Employment Working Group Report
SUMMARY:
This item provides a briefing on the status of various recommendations included in the Economic Transition Team (ETT) and the COVID-19 Community Action Business and Employment Working Group reports. These reports include specific recommendation to support small businesses and workforce development both in the short-term response phase and in the long-term recovery phase.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On March 30, 2020, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and County Judge Nelson Wolff appointed the COVID-19 Community Action working groups to serve as strike teams focused on areas in need of immediate attention. These working groups included both city council and county commissioners, along with community leaders. The Business and Employment Working Group was one of five teams charged with identifying both response and recovery measures. This working group was co-chaired by Council Member Ana Sandoval and Commissioner Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez and also included Council Member Shirley Gonzales, Mayor J.R. Trevino from the City of Castle Hills, Jenna Saucedo Herrera, Jorge Herrera, Michelle Tremillo and Lisa Wong. The working group met on a weekly basis over the month of April and May, and extensively discussed small business and workforce development challenges and opportunities. Its recommendations are included in a final report completed in late May.
The Economic Transition Team (ETT) was appointed by Mayor Nirenberg and Judge Wolff on April 21, 2020 to provide recommendations and resources specifically for local businesses to reopen and operate safely, as a supplement to the Health Transition Team (HTT) report. The ETT was co-chaired by Kevin Voelkel, president of Toyota Manufacturing Texas, and Julissa Carielo, president of Tejas Premier Building Contractors. Council Member Rebecca Viagran and Commissioner Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez served as liaisons to the economic transition team, which also included a diverse group of business and community leaders, entrepreneurs, consultants, and planners who have a wide range of experience in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
The ETT prioritized equity in its recommendations, recognizing many small businesses, particularly those owned by women and people of color, are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ETT work was completed in early May which included a ‘playbook’ for reopening businesses, along with a recommendation for a robust public relations and marketing plan to promote consumer confidence. The ETT made additional short- and long-term recommendations to support small business.
ISSUE:
Staff will provide a briefing on the various recommendations included in both reports, along with updates on any recommendations already being implemented.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff will present a briefing on this item, subject to possible action by the committee.